Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, showcased its modern jeepney prototypes at the recently concluded Public Transport Modernization Expo organized by the Department of Transportation.

Hino’s modern jeepney prototypes come in four variants: Hino 4 & 6 Wheelers for Class II & III in AC & Non-AC versions. Designed like mini buses, the Euro 4-powered Hino jeepneys provide a seating capacity of 23 to 30 passengers. The Hino Class III model is an air-conditioned mini bus type with ample room for its front-facing passenger seats, secured with seat belts for additional safety. The Hino Class II PUV is designed more closely to the conventional jeepney with side-facing passenger seats and covered open air windows. Its design is also provisioned for standing passengers to further maximize seating capacity.

Through the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the government gathered different local players in the commercial manufacturer industry to display their prototypes for public viewing with the theme, “Modernong Sasakyan, Progresibong Bayan” at the Philippine Convention Center (PICC) Forum in Pasay City.

“Our active participation in the government’s project is driven by our Hino’s Total Support mantra. We are committed to providing reliable and innovative transport system solutions for the welfare of all our stakeholders - including our natural resources such as the air we breathe. We believe that this is the first step toward an upgraded and greener transport system,” said HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr.

As the only local “one-stop” shop both for trucks and buses, HMP engages not only in the assembly of high-quality Hino chassis platforms but also in the production of standardized and customized truck and bus bodies to meet specific requirements of its customers / transport partners.  Recent custom body examples include mobile library, mobile hospital, mobile court and mobile kitchen units. Hino’s chassis combined with customized bodies is HMP’s response to the country’s need for application-specific, reliable and sustainable transport system units.

“Our discussion with different jeepney operators and cooperatives has helped us improve our prototypes. As we address the need for a more reliable transport system, we will continue to leverage our ability to assemble and distribute quality trucks and buses designed to help Filipinos get where they need to go―safely, economically and with environmental responsibility, while focusing on sustainable development,” HMP President Mr. Hiroshi Aoki shared.